Transitioning to a 4-3 defense would cause a lot of growing pains for the Rams in 2020.
The Los Angeles Rams made a big change to their coaching staff this week, parting ways with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. He’s the only defensive coordinator Sean McVay’s had since joining the Rams in 2017, but the Rams opted not to renew his contract and keep him aboard.
The search for a replacement is well underway, though there’s been no indication as to who the Rams will hire. They could promote someone already on the staff such as Aubrey Pleasant or Joe Barry, which would make the transition from Phillips much easier. They’ll also likely interview and consider outside candidates, with Kris Richard being a coach who would make a lot of sense.
Whoever the Rams hire, though, one thing should remain the same: the 3-4 front. When the Rams let go of Phillips, there was rampant speculation and curiosity about them switching back to a 4-3 scheme, which they previously ran.
Different coaches prefer different defensive fronts, be it a 3-4 or a 4-3. With how frequently teams use nickel packages, keeping only two inside linebackers on the field, 3-4 versus 4-3 isn’t as significant a difference as it once was. However, for the Rams, switching to a 4-3 defense would be a major change.
It would also be an unwise one.
They simply don’t have the players to fit the scheme, especially with three key defenders set to hit free agency. The biggest issue comes at one of the most important positions on that side of the ball: defensive end.
Los Angeles doesn’t have any great options to fit that role. Dante Fowler Jr. played there with the Jaguars and would make the transition from outside linebacker easily, but he’s also a free agent who will command a hefty price tag. Clay Matthews wouldn’t play defensive end, and both Samson Ebukam and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo have only played outside linebacker.
Here’s what a hypothetical depth chart would look like in a 4-3 defense with the players the Rams have under contract.
- DE: Morgan Fox
- DT: Aaron Donald
- NT: Sebastian Joseph-Day/Greg Gaines
- DE: Samson Ebukam
- OLB: Travin Howard
- MLB: Micah Kiser/Troy Reeder
- OLB: Kenny Young
Not exactly an enticing group of players, huh? Of course, having Cory Littleton at one of the outside linebacker spots would help that group immensely, as would Fowler at defensive end. Michael Brockers would be replaced by Joseph-Day or Gaines, making him unlikely to return as a free agent.
And there’s always free agency and the draft to add reinforcements, during which the Rams will focus heavily on defense. That doesn’t mean they’ll be able to find an immediate starter at any of those spots, however.
The transition to a 4-3 defense would come with a lot of growing pains, and it would be a slow switch. In fact, the Rams might have to wait a year to do it – if they hire a coordinator who wants to make that change. It would require them to draft players who better fit a 4-3 scheme this year, who in turn may not fit well in a 3-4 front temporarily.
The defense would endure a real setback in 2020 if the switch is made, which may not be something the Rams can afford with all of their pending free agents. They’d be better off to develop the young talent they drafted for a 3-4 scheme and hope the next coordinator can get the most out of them.
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